sibility of providing ships and did so by utilizing the security
DDE's.
Further, it was agreed that CINCPACFLT could furnish ad-
ditional ships if needed in an emergency or in case the vessels as—
signed to the Task Force were so engaged as not to be available
for such a mission.
Before [SHOr/) a TG 7,3 representative was
sent to Kwajalein for discussions with Trust Territory representatives and Naval Station personnel to insure that interpreters,
Trust Territory representatives, and air transportation would be
avatlable should post-shot evacuation be necessary.
Before the end of SHor/\ day there were growing indications
of heavy fallout from upper levels in a northeast direction.
Late
on{ S/ar/\plus 1 day, CJTF SEVEN directed that a DDE proceed in-
mediately to Rongelap to begin evacuation of that atoll since indications from his radsafe advisors were that evacuation would be
necessary.
Shortly thereafter, another DDE was directed to pro-
ceed to Utirik Atoll to effect evacuation there.
Eventually parti-
cipating in evacuation were the PHILIP and the RENSHAW, both diverted from their security missions; a PEM provided by Commander,
Naval Station, Kwajalein (COMNAVSTAKWAJ): and two DDE's from CINCPACFLT which were placed in a stand-by capacity to be utilized in
case of need.
Heavy fallout occurred at Rongerik Atoll where a Task Force
weather station and some scientific stations, manned by twentyeight Air Force and Army personnel, were located.
These personnel
were evacuated to Kwajalein by an amphibian aircraft furnished by
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